Description
Succulent pineapple BBQ meatballs blend sweet and tangy flavors in a crowd-pleasing dish that transports diners straight to summer cookout paradise. Juicy meatballs glazed with zesty sauce promise a delightful experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 0.5 cup pineapple juice
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Craft meatballs by blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, finely diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll into uniform bite-sized spheres, approximately one inch in diameter.
- Heat a skillet over medium temperature and cook meatballs, rotating periodically until golden brown and completely cooked through, roughly 8-10 minutes. For frozen meatballs, follow package cooking guidelines.
- Create sauce by combining BBQ sauce, diced pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and soy sauce in a separate saucepan. Allow mixture to gently simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, reducing and slightly thickening.
- Transfer fully cooked meatballs directly into the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to harmonize flavors and enhance sauce absorption.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and added herbaceous notes. Serve immediately as a tantalizing appetizer or alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef for healthier meatballs with less grease and better texture.
- Chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before forming meatballs to help them hold shape and prevent falling apart during cooking.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that works great for different dietary needs.
- Use a small cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and consistent size for better presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg